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COVID-19 Coronavirus Response
The official site of the State of New Jersey for COVID-19 and information, announcements, executive orders and guidance.
Statistics as of Monday, March 7, 2022
Total number of positive cases in Summit, NJ: 4,275*
Total number of deaths in Summit, NJ: 33*
Total number of positive cases in New Jersey: 1,878,966
Total number of positive cases in Union County: 123,815
Total number of deaths in New Jersey: 30,049
Total number of deaths in Union County: 2,119
*Summit case numbers are updated and adjusted MONTHLY with information provided by the Westfield Regional Health Department. Last update: March 7, 2022
Monthly Reports
Monthly totals of positive cases (2022)
January 2022: 851
February 2022: 107
March 2022: 140
April 2022: 269
Monthly totals of positive cases (2021)
January 2021: 263
February 2021: 146
March 2021: 219
April 2021: 136
May 2021: 27
June 2021: 16
July 2021: 34
August 2021: 107
September 2021: 102
October 2021: 92
November 2021: 80
December 2021: 1079
COVID-19 Symptoms
How to self-test
Quarantine vs. Isolation
mRNA Vaccines
What You Need to Know
Health Commissioner Persichilli Approves Additional Booster Does for People Ages 50+ and Immunocompromised Individuals
Health Commissioner Persichilli recommends an additional booster for those over age 50 and immunocompromised individuals to protect against COVID-19 and its variants. To find a location, visit the NJ Vaccine Finder.
Statement from Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli on Global COVID Case Rise
On March 17, Governor Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli announced that they will be watching the recent increase in global COVID-19 numbers. They believe that there will be an increase in New Jersey, but currently do not see the need to reinstate universal statewide mandated protective measures. They still encourage New Jersey residents to get vaccinated and to test when feeling sick. They state that COVID-19 cases are expected to ebb and flow in the future.
Apply for utility assistance programs
The moratorium on utility shutoffs ends March 15, 2022. Apply now for assistance programs to prevent your service from being interrupted. View a list of programs and more information here.
Union County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
This program provides significant economic relief to help low and moderate-income households at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability by providing rental arrears, temporary rental and utility arrears assistance. Landlords and tenants must fill out applications separately in order to be eligible. Learn more and apply here.
New CDC Studies: COVID-19 Boosters Remain Safe
On February 11, the CDC confirmed that they had conducted two studies, confirming the safety of vaccinations, as well their effectiveness against severe disease. The CDC recommends everyone 5 and older remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations. For more information on the specifics of the studies, click here.
Self-certify for eviction protection
If you are facing eviction, New Jersey may have protections for you and your family. Residents must fill out an eviction prevention income self-certification form in order to take advantage of these protections. Self-certify and apply for rental assistance at covid19.nj.gov/pages/renter or by calling 609-490-4550. For more information on the self-certification, rental, mortgage, or utility assistance, or if you have additional questions, please visit www.housinghelpnj.org or call 888-691-3002.
Governor Murphy Announces That School Mask Mandate Will Be Lifted March 7
On February 7, Governor Phil Murphy announced that masks will no longer be required for students, staffs, and visitors in schools and childcare centers starting March 7, 2022. He cited the ongoing drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases, while vaccination numbers are still increasing. School districts and childcare facilities can continue to implement universal masking policies after the mandate is lifted in March. For more information, click here.
Financial assistance for homeowners available starting February 8, 2022
On Tuesday, February 8, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) will open the application portal for the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) to help protect thousands of homeowners from foreclosure.
This program will provide up to $35,000 in assistance to cover mortgage arrearages, delinquent property taxes, and other housing costs for eligible homeowners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apply now or click here for more information on the program.
New Jersey assistance programs
The NJ Department of Community Affairs has a variety of programs that can help you with rent/heating costs, prevention of eviction, reduction of utility bills, and removal of lead hazards from your home. Click here to learn more about available programs and check to see what benefits you may be eligible for.
Where is vaccination or testing required for workers in New Jersey?
All covered workers in the following settings are currently required to be fully vaccinated or subject to COVID-19 testing at minimum one to two times per week:
- Health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings
- Preschool through Grade 12 schools
- State agencies, authorities, colleges, and universities
- Child care facilities
Please view this information on workers in health care facilities and high-risk congregate settings.
New Jersey vaccination data update
As of January 26, 2022, 6,572,721 people have been fully vaccinated (people fully vaccinated at NJ sites + NJ residents vaccinated out of state). Over 13.9 million vaccine doses have been administered in New Jersey. 58% of all doses administered are Pfizer brand, 38% have been Moderna, and 4% have been Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Currently, over 2.7 million booster shots/3rd dose vaccinations have been administered in New Jersey. Click here to review this data on New Jersey's official COVID-19 resource page.
New Testing Resources Available
Union County is offering multiple testing sites in Union and Plainfield, including nasal, saliva, PCR saliva, and rapid nasal tests. Click here for information on locations and times. Similarly, on January 19, online ordering for over 500 million COVID-19 tests is available at https://covidtests.gov/ after the Biden Administration ordered one billion tests. Tests will usually ship within 7-12 days of ordering. For more information, click here.
CDC updates mask recommendations
On January 14, the CDC updated its website to include information on the most effective types of masks to stop the spread of COVID-19. For example, certain workplaces require a certain standard of mask. The CDC recommends masks with respirators because they have better filtration and can provide a higher level of protection. Guidelines can be found here.
Public Health Emergency Announced in New Jersey
On January 11, 2022, Governor Phil Murphy announced a Public Health Emergency in New Jersey due to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. This means that New Jersey will continue vaccine distribution, vaccination or testing requirements in certain settings, and other critical components of the state’s COVID-19 response. The Public Health Emergency allows for existing orders requiring masking in school and daycare settings to remain in effect. More information is available here.
CDC Expands COVID-19 booster recommendations to ages 12 and up
The CDC has announced that everyone ages 12 and older should get a booster shot at any vaccination location. At this time, those ages 12 through 17 years old are only eligible for a Pfizer booster. The CDC also states that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen individuals' protection against the Omicron variant. More information on booster doses is available here.
CDC Shortens Interval Between Second Shot and Booster
The CDC has announced that it is shortening the time needed between one's second Pfizer and/or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and one's booster shot from 6 months to 5 months. However, a 6 month period is still required for those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The CDC is also recommending that immunocompromised 5-11 year-olds should receive an additional primary dose of the vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for this age group.
CDC Shortens Quarantine Time for General Population
As of December 27, 2021, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. This is primarily because ongoing research has found that transmission occurs in the early stages of the illness. Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%. A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%. COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
Omicron Information and FAQs
The CDC has created a page with information on the Omicron Variant here. Omicron spreads easier than the original COVID-19 variant, but its comparison to the Delta variant is unknown. Omicron can lead to breakthrough- infections of fully vaccinated people. CDC scientists are working with partners to gather data and virus samples that can be studied to answer important questions about the Omicron variant. The CDC advises all people to get vaccinated, wear masks in indoor settings, and to test when appropriate.
CDC Launches COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool
The CDC has launched the COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool, which aids users in deciding whether to isolate, quarantine, and get tested for COVID-19. It allows healthcare providers to access information to determine what type of COVID-19 testing should be offered to patients. For more information, click here.
New internationl travel requirements
Starting Dec. 6: All international air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before #travel to the United States.
If you have questions, the CDC’s Travel Assessment can help
On December 1, 2021, the CDC confirmed that the first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has entered the United States. The individual self-quarantined after testing positive and has since tested negative. The CDC advises Americans to get vaccinated or get a booster shot (if eligible), as well as to practice prevention strategies such as wearing masks indoors and washing hands. For more information, click here.
Booster Shot Eligibility Expanded to Fully-Vaccinated NJ Residents 18+
On November 19, the CDC announced that everyone ages 18+ is eligible for a COVID-19 booster. The New Jersey state government has announced that anyone who has received a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (2+ months ago) or two shots of Moderna/Pfizer vaccines (6+ months ago) will be eligible for a booster shot. Click here to find a location to get the booster shot and click here for more information on eligibility.
Myths and Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
The CDC has created a page dedicated to learning the correct facts about COVID-19 vaccines. For example, COVID-19 vaccines do no cause or create new variants of the COVID-19 virus. It includes in-depth information on the mRNA vaccine and includes tips on finding credible COVID-19 information. For more information, click here.
NJ Department of Human Services Pandemic Aid
Individuals who suffered an economic hardship due to COVID-19 but were excluded from pandemic-related financial help can receive assistance through the NJ Department of Human Services Excluded New Jerseyans Fund program. The Excluded New Jerseyans Fund (ENJF) provides a one-time, direct cash benefit to eligible households who have suffered an economic hardship due to COVID-19 and were excluded from both the federal stimulus checks and COVID related unemployment assistance - including undocumented individuals, residents re-entering from the justice system, and any other individuals otherwise excluded. Visit excludedNJfund.nj.gov to apply.
CDC Recommends Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 Years
On November 2, the CDC announced that it is endorsing children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the United States. Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. Distribution of pediatric vaccinations across the country started this week, with plans to scale up to full capacity starting the week of November 8th. Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more.
CDC Finds Study Participants Were Over 5 Times More Likely to Have COVID If Unvaccinated and Infected Prior
October 29, the CDC published new science which states that vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. In a study, the CDC found that those who were unvaccinated and had a recent infection were 5x more likely to have COVID-19 than those who were fully vaccinated and did not have a prior infection. The CDC continues to recommend everyone 12 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
CDC Issues Orders to Implement New Travel Policy for Travelers to the United States
On October 25, the CDC issued an announcement stating that by November 8, non-US citizens who are not immigrants to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to fly to the United States. Fully vaccinated air passengers, regardless of citizenship, will continue to be required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test taken no more than three days before their flight to the US. For passengers who are not fully vaccinated, the rules with tighten to require a test taken no more than a day before departing to the United States. For more information, click here.
Community Transmission Levels Resource
On September 30, the CDC published an article which explains the guidelines for each county's level of community transmission. It explains the methodology for calculating total new cases and percent positivity. It also arranges counties into low, moderate, substantial, and high transmission categories using these measures. It then provides guidance on practices to adopt based on which transmission category your county falls under. For more information, click here.
CDC Information on COVID-19 and Pregnant People
The CDC has released a guide on the risks of COVID-19 for pregnant people. It underlines the effect of COVID-19 on pregnant people and it includes methods to avoid COVID-19 exposure. It also has guidelines to follow if you are feeling sick or if you have been exposed to COVID-19. For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Prevention in Schools
The CDC has published guidance for COVID-19 prevention in schools. Among its recommendations, it suggests masking of all staff and students, three feet of distance between students within classrooms, and room ventilation. For more information, click here.
Johnson & Johnson Encourages Booster Shot
On August 25, Johnson & Johnson announced data which supported that people who had previously received the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine should receive another booster shot to boost immunity. New data suggests that a booster shot increases antibodies, "nine-fold higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination." Click here for more details.
Vaccination Records Available on Docket
Docket is a new app from the NJ Department of Health that makes it easier for you and your family to securely access your COVID-19 vaccination record. If you don't have your vaccination card with you or you have lost it, you can easily access your record through the app to provide proof of COVID-19 immunizations as needed. More information is available here.
Masks Inside NJ Schools Required for Start of 2021-2022 Academic Year
On August 6, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy announced that all students, educators, staff, and visitors will be required to wear masks inside of school buildings – regardless of vaccination status – for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. This announcement was made in response to increasing COVID infection numbers due to the spread of the Delta variant.
Governor Murphy Signs Eviction Protection Bill August 4
On August 4, 2021, Governor Murphy signed an eviction protection bill which will appropriate $500 million to the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program and $250 million for utility assistance. Both of these programs will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. It will ensure that New Jersey's eviction moratorium continues through August for all state residents with household incomes below 120% of the medium income of their region. Click here for more information.
Governor Murphy recommends masks in certain indoor settings regardless of vaccination status
On July 27, Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey residents should wear masks in high risk areas. These include situations where there are crowded indoor settings, locations involving close contact, and when individuals are immunocompromised. Top health officials have found that the Delta variant is more transmissible among vaccinated individuals. Click here for more.
$30 Million in Federal Funding Announced to Support Postsecondary Students
On July 12th, Governor Murphy announced that $30 million in federal funding will be set aside to help combat COVID-19-related barriers to postsecondary success. The "Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge Grant" ($28.5 million) is a grant whereby institutions will focus on historically disadvantaged students, low-income students, and working-age adults. Institutions "chose from a series of interventions reflecting the five core priority areas of the State Plan: expanding opportunities for students to gain early college exposure; improving college affordability; fostering student success; promoting safe and inclusive learning environments; and cultivating research, innovation, and talent." The "Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program" ($1 million) creates a grant program to combat food insecurity among students attending public universities in New Jersey. More information on the programs, the funding breakdown of the program, and the institutions involved can be found here.
NJ Transit offers free transportation to COVID-19 testing sites
NJ Transit has launched VAXRIDE, which is a program that offers free tickets for rides to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments. To obtain these tickets, New Jersey residents can use the NJ Transit mobile app, can visit an NJ Transit customer service office, or can call NJ Transit customer service. VAXRIDE is valid for appointments at both public and private facilities. More information is available here.
More Eligibility for Walk-Ins at Mega-Sites
Walk-in vaccinations are now available to all New Jersey residents age 16-and-up. Walk-ins are available at the six New Jersey vaccine mega-sites at the following times:
- Atlantic City: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City
- Bergen: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Racetrack at Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford)
- Burlington: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown
- Gloucester: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Rowan College of South Jersey, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell
- Middlesex: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison
- Morris: 8:00 AM.- 12:00 PM
- Rockaway Townsquare, 301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway
For more information, visit the New Jersey COVID-19 information website.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
Enrollment for Phase II of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program opens on Monday, March 22. This program provides assistance for rental arrears and temporary assistance for future rent to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income, have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications will be accepted beginning at 9 AM on March 22 at njdca.onlinepha.com, and assistance is available at 609-490-4550.
Summit Community Center Vaccination Site
The City of Summit has partnered with Atlantic Health System's Overlook Medical Center to establish the Summit Community Center on 100 Morris Ave. as a location for COVID-19 vaccinations. An appointment is required. No walk-ins are allowed. Register for a vaccination appointment alert with Atlantic Health System here. For more information from the City of Summit go to www.cityofsummit.org/vaccine.
Help for immigrants during the pandemic
All individuals aged 16 and older who live, work, or study in New Jersey are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of immigration status. If you are uninsured, you can still receive a vaccine. The vaccine is free – there is no cost to you. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not conduct enforcement operations at or near vaccine distribution sites or clinics. If you do not speak English, you can still receive a vaccine. All points of dispensing are asked to make translation or interpretation services available.
More information is available here.
CARES Act for College Students
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a relief fund, some of which was set aside for assistance to college students. The purpose of these funds is to provide emergency relief to students experiencing hardships in college due to COVID-19. The Department of Education has awarded $6.19 billion to over 4,000 schools. The average amount per student has been recorded at $830.
More information is available here.
Union County COVID-19 Vaccination Call Center
Call center staff can help residents schedule a vaccination appointment and answer general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
The phone number is 908-613-7829. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9AM to 7PM, and Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM.
To make a vaccination appointment online with Union County, visit ucnj.org.
New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center
The New Jersey Department of Health COVID-19 call center, available at 855-568-0545, is open from 8 AM to 8 PM seven days a week.
The call center will be staffed with a mix of English and Spanish speaking agents as well as an interpretation service to support Chinese, Portuguese, Tagalog, Italian, and other languages prevalent in New Jersey.
Staff will be available to answer questions about the registration and scheduling process and can provide information on where to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
EO 207 changes inclusion in the NJIIS from OPT-IN to OPT-OUT for anyone who chooses to take a COVID-19 vaccine
December 4, 2020 - Executive Order 207 changes inclusion in the NJ Immunization Information System (NJIIS) from OPT-IN to OPT-OUT for any resident who chooses to take a COVID-19 vaccine. 30 days after the current public health emergency ends, anyone who was enrolled due to the COVID-19 vaccine can opt out of the system.
The NJIIS is the established statewide immunization information system serving as the official repository of immunizations administered to NJ residents. The NJIIS has been operating since 1997 and contains over 4,657,091 demographic records of children, whose parents have previously consented to participate in the system. Most children are already enrolled in the system through the Electronic Birth Certificate (EBC) record process.
Find out more about immunization registries on the NJIIS website.
NJ Virtual Family Assistance Center
This integrated condolence care center offers emotional support and grief counseling, faith-based resources, funeral information, legal resources, financial information services, veterans' assistance, and more information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more on the Red Cross website.
COVID Alert NJ Exposure Notification App
COVID Alert NJ is New Jersey's free and secure mobile app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The app also provides users with up-to-date information on New Jersey reopening news, key COVID-19 metrics, and a user-friendly symptom tracking tool. COVID Alert NJ uses Bluetooth proximity technology. The app will never record any identifying data. All users will remain anonymous. Download in the App Store or Google Play Store. Visit www.Covid19.nj.gov/app for more information.
SNAP Assistance During Coronavirus
Many New Jersey residents that receive food assistance through NJ SNAP will receive a higher benefit in May to help address critical food needs related to the COVID‐19 pandemic.The added benefit will be added directly to an EBT card. Go to: NJFamiliesFirst.com for more information or view the flyer.
Important Information from the Division of Unemployment Insurance
April 23, 2020 - The Department of Labor created a new web portal that allows New Jersey residents to contact the Department of Labor directly. This is a helpful tool for residents who have questions about their applications. https://www.myunemployment.nj.gov
Online tool to answer questions for business impacted by COVID-19
April 10, 2020 - The NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC), in partnership with the NJEDA and the Office of Innovation, have set up a special website with a live chat feature to answer business questions related to COVID-19. The website is https://faq.business.nj.gov/en/collections/2198378-information-for-nj-businesses-on-the-coronavirus-outbreak
Frequently asked questions by New Jersey workers during the COVID-19 emergency
Provides useful information on unemployment benefits, insurance and eligibility, paid leave, family leave and more. View FAQs here.
Combatting COVID-19 coronavirus scams and fraud
April 9, 2020 - Be aware that criminals are attempting to exploit COVID-19 worldwide through a variety of scams.The US Department of Justice is remaining vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis, and has established hotlines by phone at 866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov to combat COVID-19 coronavirus fraud, as well as acts of hoarding and price gouging. For more information: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Community raising money to support local small businesses in Summit impacted by COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak
April 7, 2020 - Mayor Nora Radest (video message) in partnership with The Summit Foundation and Summit Downtown, Inc. (SDI) has established the Sustain Summit Fund, an emergency assistance grant program. Please consider making a tax deductible donation today. https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/sustain-summit-fund
Information and resources for NJ Businesses impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak
March 31, 2020 - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has created an information hub to stabilize and support local businesses impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak.View flyer
State of NJ Essential Guidance
- NJWorkersFAQsCOVID19 040920
- Instructions if COVID exposure 033020
- NJ Pharmacies Offering Home Delivery 3.27.20
- Mortgage Relief COVID-19 032820
- COVID19 NJEDA Programs
- NJ Dept Labor COVID-19 Scenarios Benefits 040220
- NJ Dept of Labor COVID-19 Scenarios Benefits (Spanish) 040220
- Dept of Labor Family First Info 032920
- NJ Dept of Labor FamiliesFirstResourcesAct 040220
- CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf
- NJE0122 Guidance (Municipal Construction)
- Essential Business LIst
- COVID-19 drive thru screening
- Office of US Sen Cory Booker NJ Coronavirus Resource Guide 040420